Donnafugata vineyards In Contessa Entellina Estates
Sicily keeps on being in the thoughts of Netflix scriptwriters, seemingly. The next series that is going to be released on 5th March is a masterpiece of a Sicilian literature:” Il Gattopardo”, in English “The Leopard”, by Tomasi di Lampedusa. It is the fascinating story of a Sicilian prince who has to deal with his changing world.
Read MoreFrom now on, wine tourists visiting the Morellino di Scansano (Tuscany) production area have a new tool to make their experience more enjoyable and safe: VINOMETRO.
Read MoreIf you're new to food and wine pairing and have a romantic Valentine dinner in mind, to not fail you have to match the food with the right wine. Here’s how to do it.
Read MoreIt’s only February, yet I’d bet that many of us are already thinking about next summer to plan their vacations. If this is the case, I’d suggest taking a look at the recent study by Dipndive, to have an idea about the costs we should face, if we decide to go to one of the following destinations.
Read MoreA view of Tenute Rapitalà, one of the four wineries that are taking part to InnoNDA Project
A “new” Nero d’Avola: fresher, fragrant and less alcoholic. For years the Sicilian association of producers Assovini is committed to finding new tools, new strategies and approaches both to viticulture and wine making process. They know that the consumers - the younger ones especially - are not willing anymore to drink or eat stuff too much processed, thus the less technological interventions in the cellar, the better.
Read MoreRegaleali vineyards (Sicily).
In the years 1313-1850, Europe knew the so-called Little Ice Age (or PEG: Piccola Era Glaciale), at the end of which three nightmares hit the viticulture of the Old Word: oidium, phylloxera and mildew . The Philloxera Vastatrix, in particular, arrive in France in 1850, attached to some American vines that had to be planted in the French vineyards for improvement. In fact, within a few years the deadly insect had come to destroy 40% of the French vineyard.
This tiny and letal aphid found its nemesis in an unlikely hero: American vine rootstocks.
Read MoreMy first intention was to write the usual post of advice on “what wines to drink during the Holidays”. Then I realized that I had too many references, and it would be boring. So this year I want to focus only on one type, which usually wine critics snobby: sweet wines.
Read MoreThe renowned Roman amphitheater Arena, which hosts important music reviews in summertime.
Have you never set foot in Verona? If you are a tourist who love the culture, the romance, the music and so on, this Venetian city is a perfect destination for a trip. And if you are a wine lover, it definitely worths a visit.
Read MoreNice and friendly, fruity and easy to drink - and to share. A pop wine. You don’t need other info about this wine, which name speaks for itself: “Sip No Guilt”.
Read MoreA keynote in the past edition (2023)
Wine2Wine, the renowned international business forum hosted in Verona (same place of Vinitaly), is scheduled on 4th and 5th of November. It’s an important event focused mainly on the biz side of the wine world, and everything that goes around it. This means that the topics that are going to be discussed will be several, varied, and topical.
Read MoreAs the summer is in full swing, let’s take a quick look at how the grape harvest is going in Italy, which has already been underway for a few weeks in some areas.
Read MoreDays when a robot will serve us a bottle of wine in some tasting room are not far…
Maybe in the past, it was easier, but nowadays it’s trickier. Definitely. What am I talking about? Finding new wine consumers. Or starting/keeping on engaging the old ones.
Read MorePIWI wines at Sensoria event.
Recently, I attended a tasting of PIWI wines*, which inspired me to this post.
Read MoreOnce upon a time, a grape was cultivated in the South of Italy and significantly requested in the North. Verdeca. A variety that only recent genetics studies revealed its origin, regarded as obscure until a few years ago. It’s likely that Verdeca is a Greek grape because the DNA profiling (by J.Vouillamoz) has shown that it is identical to Lagorthi, a Greek variety from Kalavrita in the Aigialeia mountains in the Peoloponnisos.
Read MoreTo me, the word “Etna” recalls a lot of things. All of them are positive, so you can get why I always feel a bit of saudade when I hear or write it.
Read MoreA view of Valpolicella vineyards and Lake of Garda from the hamlet of S.Giorgio Ingannapoltron.
If you're a fan of Italian wines, chances are you've tasted Amarone della Valpolicella, the renowned Venetian red wine made with dried grapes. And if you're a wine pro, chances are you've attended the latest edition of Amarone Opera Prima, the annual wine event in downtown Verona. It's been 20 years since this wine fair, organized by Consorzio Vini Valpolicella, has been entirely devoted to showcasing the latest vintage of Amarone della Valpolicella for sale.
Read MoreToday, I wish to recommend an almost unknown, almost unobtainable wine, produced in very limited quantities but so good that it is worth some effort to get it.
Read MoreBardolino vineyards with the Lake of Garda view (Ph. credits: P.Giagulli)
In a recent article, the wine expert Felicity Carter - one of the most experienced and skilled wine writers I have worked with - lists seven wine trends in 2024 that every wine professional should care about. Here they are:
The collapse of the boundaries
Cans
Low and no-alcohol wines
White wines are supplanting reds
But big, bold reds are still strong
Wine Tourism
Health
Nanfrè, the fresh Valpolicella by Castagnedi producers.
New Year, everyone!
Let's start a new cycle of days with a Valpolicella (the fresh version).
Many people - wrongly, IMHO - underestimate or neglect this wine; actually, it is one of the most important wines in the Valpolicella production area.
The reasons are 3 (at least):
Read More
